Yosemite National Park – Valley Floor

August is here, and the summer is nearly over. Carol and I decided to spend our summer at home in Scottsdale this year to continue to lay the important foundational work necesary in our young travel agency: Roaming Boomers Travel Services.

When we started our new business, we knew that we would have to slow the pace of our travel for a few years. But, that doesn’t mean that our wanderlust isn’t crying for adventure. In an attempt to still the longing in my soul, I decided this morning to look back in my vast collection of travel photographs to see where we’ve been in past months of August.

I shot this photograph in August of 2006 on the valley floor of Yosemite National Park. Carol and I had just sold our business in Michigan and we were on a road trip in California. As I recall, we only spent two nights in Yosemite. And while I came out with my camera packed with beautiful photographs, it ought to be against the law to only spend two nights in Yosemite. This is one of those places where you simply must come to a complete stop in your busy life and drink in the beauty of creation.

As rookie travelers, we learned that August isn’t really the best month to visit Yosemite. The place was PACKED with travelers from all over the world, and because it was the dry time of the year, the Yosemite Falls was a mere trickle. The next time, we’ll head there in the spring shoulder season. The summer travelers won’t be there yet, and the waterfalls will be flowing with spring snow melt.

Nonetheless, just look at that scene. Isn’t it beautiful?

Have you been to Yosemite? If not, you must put it on your bucket list. After looking at my photograph, Yosemite is going back on our bucket list. And next time, we’ll spend more time.

Carol and I were recently invited to join a small group of journalists on a progressive dinner at The Phoenician, a AAA Five Diamond resort, to sample their fabulous summer dining menus.

Dining Tip: not only do our fabulous Scottsdale resorts offer fabulous stay-cation rates in the summers, but you can also find wonderful summer dining offers as well.

We sampled fare from Relish Burger Bistro, which offers some of the best burgers in town (mini Kobe burgers pictured to the right). We’ve enjoyed the Relish Burger Bistro numerous times, and highly recommend it. Plus, tater tots come with your burgers. What’s not to like about that?

Culinary Countdown Summer Menus – Available Through September 30, 2015

When we were done noshing at Relish Burger Bistro, we then moved on to three-course tasting meals a Il Terrazzo, and J&G Steakhouse. Carol and I had not been in J&G Steakhouse before. The steaks were perfectly done, and the views from the tiptop of the resort were amazing! And, Il Terrazzo has always been a favorite of our as well.

Here’s the scoop on these very fun and special summer offers…

The Phoenician, Arizona’s premier AAA Five Diamond destination, is making dining out even more appetizing this summer with its signature “Culinary Countdown” series. From June 1, through September 30, 2015, three resort restaurants will offer select multi-course menus at exceptional prices:

J&G Steakhouse ($40 per person) – The three-course dinner menu includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert, featuring Cold Corn and Lemongrass Soup, Steamed Shrimp Salad or Heirloom Tomatoes; slowly cooked Salmon, Roasted Chicken or Prime Flat Iron Steak; as well as Raspberry and Rose Pavlova, Warm Chocolate Cake with Caramel Ice Cream, or an assortment of Sorbets and Ice Cream. From 5-7 p.m. nightly, the restaurant will also offer 50 percent off all bottles of wine under $100.

Relish Burger Bistro ($20 per person) – The two-course lunch and dinner menu features a number of gourmet, American Kobe Burgers with crispy Tater Tots; followed by a Cookie Cup with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or Apple Cobbler à la mode. Special savings on draft beers and old-fashioned milkshakes are also offered.

Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, the 250-acre Phoenician offers two exquisite experiences – a 583-room AAA Five Diamond luxury resort hotel and a 60-room, Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond hotel, The Canyon Suites — at one magnificent destination. Both The Phoenician and The Canyon Suites are owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., as part of The Luxury Collection.

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Why are they smiling? We’ll besides the stunningly beautiful location, we got them two complimentary nights on their six-night stay, a complimentary room upgrade, complimentary breakfast each morning, and more. Seems like something to smile about, don’t you think?

Have fun guys, and we can’t wait to hear about your experience when you get home! Oh, Sylvia, Carol likes your hat!

If you would like us to help you plan a beautiful beach vacation packed with luxurious complimentary perks, give us a call at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request by clicking here.

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Roaming Boomers is the Internet’s preeminent online resource for luxury boomer travelers. Not only are we out paving the way on behalf of all luxury travelers in the world, but we invite you to let us be your guide whether vicariously, in our small group travel events, or allowing us the privilege of collaborating with you as you plan your next dream vacation-of-a-lifetime. We welcome luxury travelers of all ages!